Kevin Stefanski is set to have a busy few weeks after being fired by the Cleveland Browns.
The Browns announced on Monday that they were parting ways with Stefanski, who coached the team for six seasons.
Stefanski was hired by the Browns in 2020 and delivered an immediate turnaround. In his first season, he guided Cleveland to its first playoff appearance since 2002 and snapped the franchise’s 26-year postseason win drought. His 11-win debut was the most by a first-year Browns head coach since Paul Brown’s inaugural season in 1946
Stefanski posted a 45-56 record with the Browns, making the playoffs twice and earning NFL Coach of the Year honors twice. Cleveland finished the 2025 season with a 5-12 record.
“After six seasons as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns, I leave with an immense sense of gratitude,” Stefanski said in a statement. “When I arrived in January of 2020, this organization, this community and Browns fans embraced me and my family with open arms. I cannot express properly in words how good we have been treated. A sincere ‘Thank You’ to everyone who I have been so blessed to work for and with over these six seasons.”
Stefanski is not expected to remain unemployed for long. He’s already set to talk with the Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants and Tennessee Titans about their head coach openings, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Browns Players Disappointed in Kevin Stefanski’s Firing
Multiple players reacted to the news that Stefanski had been let go on Monday. Among them was veteran guard Joel Bitonio, who is the longest tenured member of the Browns.
“I was sad for the human being. We had a relationship for of six years. I’m a loyal person,” Bitonio said. “I was disappointed. I think he’s a great football coach and I think he’ll get a chance somewhere to show he can still coach in this league.”
Browns safety Grant Delpit echoed a similar sentiment.
“Great guy, great coach. I know he’s going to land on his feet and stay around the game,” Delpit said. “He’s got a lot more to offer to some other teams out there.”
Browns Take Issue With ‘Dysfunctional’ Label
Browns owner Jimmy Haslam called the decision on Stefanski “as difficult as any we’ve ever had to make because of the quality of the person involved.” Still, Haslam pointed to the on-field results — just eight total wins over the last two seasons — as the reality that ultimately forced the Browns’ hand.
“I don’t think there was one breaking point,” Haslam said. “I think you’ve got to look at the body of work and sometimes it’s just time for a change and we felt like it was time for a change.”
The Browns have navigated no shortage of turbulence in recent years, particularly at the quarterback position. That scrutiny intensified this season when Stefanski appeared caught off guard by the trade of veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, sparking outside speculation about dysfunction inside the organization. Haslam forcefully pushed back on that narrative.
“Some of you said this is a dysfunctional building, I take huge exception to that. The two of them work just like this, okay? And they talk all the time. Their offices are basically next door to each other,” Haslam said. “I mean, is there tension in the building? Of course. I mean, this is a hard business and there’s lots of stuff going on. The two of them work together extremely well, extremely well.”
The Browns said they have already started their head coaching search. Haslam pointed to the next 120 days as crucial for the franchise.
Ex-Browns Coach Kevin Stefanski Makes Immediate Move Following Firing